DPS Conference 2026 – Connecting Circuits with Experience in Parkinson’s Disease

30 October 2026 | Maastricht, The Netherlands

About the conference

Join us for the next DPS conference on Friday the 30^th of October 2026 in Maastricht!

This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Circuits with Experience in Parkinson’s Disease’, explores the various circuits shaping the disease. From brain circuits, to the interplay between motor and non-motor symptoms, and the wider support network around the person with Parkinson’s. We will see how different disciplines all have their unique view on PD and work together to better understand the disease as a complex network disorder and improve patient care.

The conference is open to everyone with an interest in Parkinson’s disease, including master’s students, PhD candidates, researchers, clinicians, and people with Parkinson’s disease. It’s a great opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and stay up to date with the latest developments in the field.

Pre-Conference | 29 October 2026

We will kick this year’s edition off with a pre-conference on Thursday the 29^th of October, featuring interactive workshops designed especially for junior researchers (master’s students, PhD candidates, researchers below 30 years old). This afternoon will cover a variety of topics to support your academic and professional development. In the evening, everyone (juniors and seniors) is welcome to join us for dinner at Lumiere, located in the cozy city center of Maastricht.

Main Conference | 30 October 2026

On Friday the 30^th of October, the main conference will begin with a fascinating keynote by Prof. Dr. med. Wolf-Julian Neumann, clinical scientist at the Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Unit at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The program will further include:

• Presentations from patient researchers
• Updates from participating centers on ongoing PD research
• A poster session showcasing current work in the field

We strongly encourage all participants to submit an abstract for the poster session and share their work with the community. We will conclude the day with award presentations and a networking reception with drinks and bites.

Practical Information

• Pre-conference on Thursday the 29^th of October (afternoon)
  • FHML, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht
  • Dinner (everyone is welcome to attend): Lumière, Bassin 88, 6211 AK Maastricht
• Conference on Friday the 30th of October (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  • Van der Valk hotel, Nijverheidsweg 35, 6227 AL Maastricht
• Registration: Please register via this link and help us spread the word!
• Registration deadline: October 1st
• Contact info: dpsconference2026-np@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Program DPS Conference Maastricht 2026 October 30, 2026

08:30 – 09:00   Registration

09:00 – 09:10   Opening statement by organizers

09:10 – 10:10   Keynote lecture

10:10 – 10:30   Award Ceremony by ParkinsonNL 

10:30 – 11:00   Coffee break

11:00 – 11:25   Patient researchers Parkinson Vereniging

11:25 – 12:10   Dutch Research Tour: 4 locations 

12:10 – 12:30   Parkinson alliance agenda 

12:30 – 13:15   Lunch

13:00 – 14:30   Poster presentations and networking 

14:30 – 15:15   Dutch Research Tour: 4 locations

15:15 – 15:25   Best abstract 

15:25 – 15:50   Coffee break

15:55 – 16:15   Best abstract 2x

16:15 – 16:30   Intermezzo

16:30 – 17:00   Poster/presentation prize + closing statement by organizers

17:00 – 18:00   Networking with drinks and bites